Rough Rider is an ideal application for buying traditional knives for the price that these knives really sold for $1.25 back in the day and you used them. We collectors have changed that but Rough Rider is bringing traditional knives back to everyone. GECs are great but You have to feel odd using a $160 knife to cut rope in the back yard. Enter Rough Rider.
Anyone who knows knives and has bought GEC is either caught up in the fad of owning one or greatly disappointed. I have 3 and have other much cheaper knives (a ka-bar dog head for example) that rival their quality. I'm disappointed in GEC and look elsewhere when buying traditional knives.
I grew up in the 80s and 90s and we had the old cheap American made knives like imperial, colonial, hammer, that were made to last, usually with carbon steel, and they were probably from the 50s and 60s. Then I started with the modern folders, all the super steels and titanium blah blah blahs. Rough Ryders actually got me back into traditional knife patterns. They’re so inexpensive and the value for money is unmatchable. 2023 they’re roughly around $15-$17. Case are 4 times the price, but def not 4 times the quality. Especially nowadays. So yes, the ppl who won’t buy Chinese knives (but literally everything else in their lives are made in china) will say they’re garbage. That’s their opinion but it’s short sighted. The knives I buy from SMKW might be made elsewhere, but there’s plenty of Americans getting paid getting that knife in my hands, bottom line. Having said that, sure I’ve gotten some clunkers with a nick in the blade, or slight blade wobble (they sent me new ones for free), most of them are very good user knives that will hold up to most cutting tasks. They even have some cool fixed blades and modern folders, but their traditional patterns are where they shine. I prefer their carbon steel knives, they’ve got a few series of them, the T10 steel is basically Chinese 1095.
OMG! You are so right. I laugh at folks who try to take a pocket knife to carve up a 2X4 or spend two months in the bush, then bitch when it breaks down: "Poor quality!!" (not)
I've used just about every type and brand of slip joint pocketknife made. At one point, Rough Rider knives were not as good as they are now. They were never horrible, but now they're superb. I wish they had a little better quality control because when they do it right, it's perfect. And under current ownership, the knives are better, the steel is better, and quality control is better. But it's going to take a while for this to show up across the board because they have so many knives warehoused. I also know some American companies with production now in China use this same steel and call it 440a, and at least one company calls it 440c. It's neither, but the chemistry isn't off enough to complain very loudly when a company doe make claims for it. I've seen poor quality control on every brand of knife, including Case and GEC. It happens. But when the quality control on a an RR knife is right, and it is far more often than not, I prefer them over many knives I have that cost ten times as much. A couple of the "problems" you pointed out are not lack of quality control at all, but the way the particular knife is intended and designed to look. Too many don't like these knives because they're Chinese, and/or because they don't cost enough. But every real knife user I know loves them.
James Richie:- Well said, ignore the detractor(s). Everything you said was spot on. Some people allow politics, and outdated loyalties to keep them in cubicles, protected from the newer realities.
I have rough rider knives. And they are just great! Also I have 1 case. And just to compare them, the RR holds up! Haven't encountered a lower quality issue yet.
Like Rick said, they're a good way to find what you like among traditional knives without breaking the bank. I haven't taken to every pattern I've bought and some I really like. They're shiny enough for the collector and well enough made for those that want a knife to work with. If you really like a pattern, buy a more expensive one later. Bingo!
I have an Electricians knife of another brand and got used to having the "non-cutting" blade. I use it for all kinds of things where I do not want to use the cutting blade and have gotten used to having it, almost to the point that I use it more than the cutting edge.
I still buy Case knives now and then. Same with Boker and GEC. My most common knife purchases these days is Rough Ryder. They scratch the “need a new knife” itch just the same as any other brand and i have very rarely had one I wasn’t happy with. They have issues, sure, so does GEC and Case.
The GEC line of knives are made to be collectibles with relatively small production runs. That's fine with me because it keeps the company alive and the workers in Titusville employed. That said, I can only afford to buy an occasional Tidioute because they are expensive, but they are definitely worth the price for the quality and workmanship. I don't have a problem with Chinese made knives whether they are China brands or American brands. I buy quite a few of each.
Fabulous knives at quite an affordable price. I'm constantly surprised at the incredible price these folders are sold at. GEC and Case - beware: RR is a foe to inspire and respect.
These knives are now sold as Rough Ryder not Rough Rider, I wish they kept the name Rough Rider. I have a few of them and they work great. They are serious practical knives for use. I made a video carving a spoon from a thick branch using a Rough Ryder knife. I was surprised how well it work and how well it kept an edge. Well worth the little money it cost. I would not feel bad if I never own a Case, GEC, or Boker knife.
The rub Mark's remind me of a USA made Case Knife ... I buy all of my Case knives on site not by mail ... I have to check a few to find one without a rub mark. Nice video on a fun brand of knives 👍
great video! I have a few Rough Rider knives and their quality is pretty good on par with case even dare I say better than case knives. The ones I have have very tight back springs and flush joints as well as very well centered blades. I saw that peanut on the forms yesterday I'm assuming that was you posting it that's a pretty cool knife. I really like the scrimshaw knives. I have a collection of Schrade scrimshaw knives.
+Lets Talk Pocket Knives! There's a video made by youtube channel: "Doggorunning" for Rough Rider knives that I think everyone should see. You'll have to scroll down his video page to find it. There will be 2 videos back to back, but one is where he puts these knives to some real world cutting tests. I won't spoil it by telling you the results, so anyone can see it for themselves.
Howabouthetruth I've seen that video. You know, I wonder if a GEC or other USA manufactured brand would do any better, I think there is a design weakness in knives that dont have fastened pivot construction (peened pins, pivot screws, etc) but we will never know becuase Im not using my GEC sunfish to chop a 2x4 :D
I love the handle on that Cotton Sampler! I would love it to be first off 1095 or at least CV, and the main blade to be a classic clip point, with a whittler blade added on another layer!
If you want the best budget traditionalish type pocket knives that will last a lifetime try Magnum by Boker. I really like RR knives and have 6/7 and a Marbles but the Magnum Juliet I got was a lot better. There's only a few Magnums that look traditional but I'll still be looking at Magnums first before I buy anymore RRs in the future.
Almost all "high end "article of outdoor wear, with crazy $ price tags are made in China. At least Rough Rider don't charge inflated prices but sell honest everyday knives that people can afford. OK they are not going to appreciate in value like collector's knives but they still cut things well-and do an honest job- isn't that the point?
Jeff bailey if they were made in the usa what do you think they would cost . I can tell you that I bet they would cost at least 3 or 4 times more I bet they would .
Hey Dwain! I did not mean to imply you could get an actual Case knife for that price. The RR knives can be had for near that price, plus shipping in some cases. I was just trying to compare the smaller knife to the Case Peanut because that appears to be what it is modeled after. Thanks for watching!
I wouldn't bet against Rough Rider knives becoming collectible. Many mass produced products become collectible precisely because people don't think they will, so they don't keep them. Or if they do keep them, they don't take care of them. For that matter, Case is a mass produced knife, and it's the most collectible pocketknife brand out there as a whole. You can already pay a good deal more for a made in the USA Old Timer in good condition than it cost new, and few knives were as mass produced as the Old Timer. All sorts of mass produced toys are highly collectible because, again, people didn't keep of take care of them. Just about anything eventually becomes collectible and reasonably valuable, and if it doesn't happen in your life time, then you children or grandchildren may still make a lot of money from such a collection. As for blade rub, they say there are only two kinds of knives with three blades, those with blade rub, and those that will someday develop blade rub. I have Case, GEC, Queen, and Hen & Rooster knives that have blade rub. I think it was Old Timer that once had a Stockman that had a floating center blade in an effort to avoid blade rub. It worked, but it had to float so high that the point was exposed. It wasn't actually dangerous, but it looked dangerous, it was ugly, and it looked like the company made a mistake, so it didn't sell well, and was soon discontinued. I wish knife companies would just put a fourth blade or tool on three blade knives because that's a lot easier than having three blades.
My understanding is that they are passing up CASE in quality. I hear/see a lot of Case knives with blade-play, sloppy blades now. Perhaps China is pulling away and passing them up. A lot of American made stuff is like that now, we did it to ourselves. China is the new Japan.
Case knifes are not what they use to be and that's a real shame .roughrider knifes are going to pass case knifes and it's not going to be very long .I bet that roughrider knifes are as good as some case knifes.
@David Tucker it makes me not want to buy any thing in china any more .thoes in china that are responsible for this virus needs to have to go before the court and give them the worse punishment that can be given to them .we as Americans need to stand up and have some thing done about this .does any one out their agree.
@David Tucker china need s to have to pay a harsh punishment price for what they have done . They do not need to get away with what they have done but you know what they will . Let the United states do something like this and we will pay dearly for it .
@David Tucker yes we should . And drop a bomb that would wipe them off the face of this world. Trump should declare war on them if he has any back bone in him .
That's complete nonsense. They don't fall apart anymore than other slip joints, if treated properly. You can break any knife, and only a complete damned fool treats a knife the way many "reviewers" do. Stop believing everything you see on TH-cam, especially Doggorunning type reviews, and test some knives for yourself. Rough Rider knives are as strong as any slip joint of the same size out there, and have better steel than at least two of the large brand name knives that have moved production to China. Maybe it's just me, but I prefer scientific testing by people who aren't biased, and who know what a given knife should be used for. On this scale, Rough Rider knives outperform several of the knives Doggorunning loves.
I saw that video by doggorunning and I done the same tests with a case and get knife and they both developed serious blade play the same as the rough rider.
These suck. I work in powdered metal and I accidentally broke a rough rider blade and one look at it told me it was terribly tempered and you could actually see the powder in the metal
Buff with a dremel....omg ...there's 10 different variations. Its really unreal and the quality is there. These are definitely collectable and usable...especially at the price. If they're not perfect, you can make them that way. U have never had blade play or anything much different than case. I can take a very soft buffing pad ....then I would display without hesitation or shame
They look nice, but just like everything else made in China, the fit and finish is not there and they will never go up in value. If you buy a Queen, GEC or Case, you'll pay a fair price for a quality product.
Protective HT :- I recently bought a Rough Ryder "Old Southwest" canoe for $20.00 and yesterday purchased a Case canoe with AmberBone covers for $100.00. Today I put them side by side, and truley cannot see, feel or appreciate ANY difference, especially for the price difference...both are beautiful, functional pocket knives. I don't hold with the anti- China sentiment going around...politics has no room in my pocket knives...whether made in Russia, China, USA, Germany or Japan. And if you feel that it makes so much of a difference...check your computer, TV, laptop or tablet, your microwave, wrist watch, or phone, or just about any small appliance in your home, and start throwing stuff out. And watch how fast your neighbors pick up your discards. Even well known American companies are manufacturing goods in China...it just makes good capitalistic sense! Edit :- Smokey Mountain Knife Works, designs, markets and guarantees these Rough Ryder knives for life, and they are located in Sevierville, TN, USA.
Rough Rider is an ideal application for buying traditional knives for the price that these knives really sold for $1.25 back in the day and you used them. We collectors have changed that but Rough Rider is bringing traditional knives back to everyone. GECs are great but You have to feel odd using a $160 knife to cut rope in the back yard. Enter Rough Rider.
@David Tucker I'm glad you tell it like it is .
Totally agree. I have a huge Spyderco collection costing me thousands... really starting to dig these classic knives. 👌🏻🧐
Anyone who knows knives and has bought GEC is either caught up in the fad of owning one or greatly disappointed. I have 3 and have other much cheaper knives (a ka-bar dog head for example) that rival their quality. I'm disappointed in GEC and look elsewhere when buying traditional knives.
I grew up in the 80s and 90s and we had the old cheap American made knives like imperial, colonial, hammer, that were made to last, usually with carbon steel, and they were probably from the 50s and 60s. Then I started with the modern folders, all the super steels and titanium blah blah blahs. Rough Ryders actually got me back into traditional knife patterns. They’re so inexpensive and the value for money is unmatchable. 2023 they’re roughly around $15-$17. Case are 4 times the price, but def not 4 times the quality. Especially nowadays. So yes, the ppl who won’t buy Chinese knives (but literally everything else in their lives are made in china) will say they’re garbage. That’s their opinion but it’s short sighted. The knives I buy from SMKW might be made elsewhere, but there’s plenty of Americans getting paid getting that knife in my hands, bottom line. Having said that, sure I’ve gotten some clunkers with a nick in the blade, or slight blade wobble (they sent me new ones for free), most of them are very good user knives that will hold up to most cutting tasks. They even have some cool fixed blades and modern folders, but their traditional patterns are where they shine. I prefer their carbon steel knives, they’ve got a few series of them, the T10 steel is basically Chinese 1095.
If always amazes me that people forget that pocket knives are designed for light cutting. Not chopping down a bloody tree.
leighrate I've been saying the same thing for years!!
Welcome to the new age......ppl buy a budget knife and they try to squeeze bushcraft use out of it.
OMG! You are so right. I laugh at folks who try to take a pocket knife to carve up a 2X4 or spend two months in the bush, then bitch when it breaks down: "Poor quality!!" (not)
People who baton with knifes are stupid.
that would depend entirely on the knife in question.
many of cold steel's trid lock knives are quite capable of such a feat.
Roadrunner stop. I like that. Very descriptive to anyone familiar with roadrunner and wil e coyote.
I have two Rough Riders so far. I think they're incredible knives for $13.
I've used just about every type and brand of slip joint pocketknife made. At one point, Rough Rider knives were not as good as they are now. They were never horrible, but now they're superb. I wish they had a little better quality control because when they do it right, it's perfect. And under current ownership, the knives are better, the steel is better, and quality control is better. But it's going to take a while for this to show up across the board because they have so many knives warehoused. I also know some American companies with production now in China use this same steel and call it 440a, and at least one company calls it 440c. It's neither, but the chemistry isn't off enough to complain very loudly when a company doe make claims for it. I've seen poor quality control on every brand of knife, including Case and GEC. It happens. But when the quality control on a an RR knife is right, and it is far more often than not, I prefer them over many knives I have that cost ten times as much. A couple of the "problems" you pointed out are not lack of quality control at all, but the way the particular knife is intended and designed to look. Too many don't like these knives because they're Chinese, and/or because they don't cost enough. But every real knife user I know loves them.
Who paid you?
James Richie:- Well said, ignore the detractor(s).
Everything you said was spot on. Some people allow politics, and outdated loyalties to keep them in cubicles, protected from the newer realities.
@@blueeyeswhitedragon9839 you are so right .
I have rough rider knives. And they are just great! Also I have 1 case. And just to compare them, the RR holds up! Haven't encountered a lower quality issue yet.
Like Rick said, they're a good way to find what you like among traditional knives without breaking the bank. I haven't taken to every pattern I've bought and some I really like. They're shiny enough for the collector and well enough made for those that want a knife to work with. If you really like a pattern, buy a more expensive one later. Bingo!
I have an Electricians knife of another brand and got used to having the "non-cutting" blade. I use it for all kinds of things where I do not want to use the cutting blade and have gotten used to having it, almost to the point that I use it more than the cutting edge.
Love RR knives
I still buy Case knives now and then. Same with Boker and GEC. My most common knife purchases these days is Rough Ryder. They scratch the “need a new knife” itch just the same as any other brand and i have very rarely had one I wasn’t happy with. They have issues, sure, so does GEC and Case.
The GEC line of knives are made to be collectibles with relatively small production runs. That's fine with me because it keeps the company alive and the workers in Titusville employed. That said, I can only afford to buy an occasional Tidioute because they are expensive, but they are definitely worth the price for the quality and workmanship. I don't have a problem with Chinese made knives whether they are China brands or American brands. I buy quite a few of each.
Fabulous knives at quite an affordable price. I'm constantly surprised at the incredible price these folders are sold at. GEC and Case - beware: RR is a foe to inspire and respect.
Something else to consider, the supplier I buy from has a return or exchange policy for issues you may find including blade rub and centering.
the amber jigged bone is excellent on Rough Rider knives.
These knives are now sold as Rough Ryder not Rough Rider, I wish they kept the name Rough Rider. I have a few of them and they work great. They are serious practical knives for use. I made a video carving a spoon from a thick branch using a Rough Ryder knife. I was surprised how well it work and how well it kept an edge. Well worth the little money it cost. I would not feel bad if I never own a Case, GEC, or Boker knife.
Good job. First time I ever heard the word egregious in a knife review.
The rub Mark's remind me of a USA made Case Knife ... I buy all of my Case knives on site not by mail ... I have to check a few to find one without a rub mark. Nice video on a fun brand of knives 👍
great video! I have a few Rough Rider knives and their quality is pretty good on par with case even dare I say better than case knives. The ones I have have very tight back springs and flush joints as well as very well centered blades. I saw that peanut on the forms yesterday I'm assuming that was you posting it that's a pretty cool knife. I really like the scrimshaw knives. I have a collection of Schrade scrimshaw knives.
+Lets Talk Pocket Knives! There's a video made by youtube channel: "Doggorunning" for Rough Rider knives that I think everyone should see. You'll have to scroll down his video page to find it. There will be 2 videos back to back, but one is where he puts these knives to some real world cutting tests. I won't spoil it by telling you the results, so anyone can see it for themselves.
Howabouthetruth I've seen that video. You know, I wonder if a GEC or other USA manufactured brand would do any better, I think there is a design weakness in knives that dont have fastened pivot construction (peened pins, pivot screws, etc) but we will never know becuase Im not using my GEC sunfish to chop a 2x4 :D
Rough Rider knives are highly addictive you have been warned
I love the handle on that Cotton Sampler! I would love it to be first off 1095 or at least CV, and the main blade to be a classic clip point, with a whittler blade added on another layer!
Great video and scrimshaw JPrime~
If you want the best budget traditionalish type pocket knives that will last a lifetime try Magnum by Boker. I really like RR knives and have 6/7 and a Marbles but the Magnum Juliet I got was a lot better. There's only a few Magnums that look traditional but I'll still be looking at Magnums first before I buy anymore RRs in the future.
You would pull the fibers across the edge side of the tang
Almost all "high end "article of outdoor wear, with crazy $ price tags are made in China. At least Rough Rider don't charge inflated prices but sell honest everyday knives that people can afford. OK they are not going to appreciate in value like collector's knives but they still cut things well-and do an honest job- isn't that the point?
Yes it is .
I like Rough Rider knives but I wish there was some way to date the knife. They need to come out with some kind of dating system like case or buck.
Jeff bailey if they were made in the usa what do you think they would cost . I can tell you that I bet they would cost at least 3 or 4 times more I bet they would .
interesting video but the camera going out of focus gave me a headache
I Ned you to show me where you can get a Case Penutian for $8;00.
Hey Dwain! I did not mean to imply you could get an actual Case knife for that price. The RR knives can be had for near that price, plus shipping in some cases. I was just trying to compare the smaller knife to the Case Peanut because that appears to be what it is modeled after. Thanks for watching!
Jeff Bailey sorry, maybe I misunderstood what you said.
I wouldn't bet against Rough Rider knives becoming collectible. Many mass produced products become collectible precisely because people don't think they will, so they don't keep them. Or if they do keep them, they don't take care of them.
For that matter, Case is a mass produced knife, and it's the most collectible pocketknife brand out there as a whole.
You can already pay a good deal more for a made in the USA Old Timer in good condition than it cost new, and few knives were as mass produced as the Old Timer.
All sorts of mass produced toys are highly collectible because, again, people didn't keep of take care of them. Just about anything eventually becomes collectible and reasonably valuable, and if it doesn't happen in your life time, then you children or grandchildren may still make a lot of money from such a collection.
As for blade rub, they say there are only two kinds of knives with three blades, those with blade rub, and those that will someday develop blade rub. I have Case, GEC, Queen, and Hen & Rooster knives that have blade rub.
I think it was Old Timer that once had a Stockman that had a floating center blade in an effort to avoid blade rub. It worked, but it had to float so high that the point was exposed. It wasn't actually dangerous, but it looked dangerous, it was ugly, and it looked like the company made a mistake, so it didn't sell well, and was soon discontinued.
I wish knife companies would just put a fourth blade or tool on three blade knives because that's a lot easier than having three blades.
Back woods Bushcraft series, take my money, goin over to SMKW.
Dee! cent. I own 30 or so they cool. Some guys compare to Case; very annoying!! Like yur vids sir.
The first knife my pap paw got me was a rough rider in 1950 and he told me he bought it for 80 cents
I think rough riders are good for new collectors but i cant bring my self to buy Chinese
I guess you typed that on a usa made phone / tablet / computer?
That noise foesnt bother me its just very presnt
Good luck with those.
Not even on amazon
My understanding is that they are passing up CASE in quality. I hear/see a lot of Case knives with blade-play, sloppy blades now. Perhaps China is pulling away and passing them up. A lot of American made stuff is like that now, we did it to ourselves. China is the new Japan.
Case knifes are not what they use to be and that's a real shame .roughrider knifes are going to pass case knifes and it's not going to be very long .I bet that roughrider knifes are as good as some case knifes.
@David Tucker it makes me not want to buy any thing in china any more .thoes in china that are responsible for this virus needs to have to go before the court and give them the worse punishment that can be given to them .we as Americans need to stand up and have some thing done about this .does any one out their agree.
We sure did do it to ourselfs.
@David Tucker china need s to have to pay a harsh punishment price for what they have done . They do not need to get away with what they have done but you know what they will . Let the United states do something like this and we will pay dearly for it .
@David Tucker yes we should . And drop a bomb that would wipe them off the face of this world. Trump should declare war on them if he has any back bone in him .
Water running sink rain or you cooking in with thee frypan
Sorry about the trickle! I am on my back porch, and I have a goldfish pond with a waterfall in the back yard.
The beauty is only skin deep. Check out Doggorunning's vids on Rough Riders. They fall apart.
That's complete nonsense. They don't fall apart anymore than other slip joints, if treated properly. You can break any knife, and only a complete damned fool treats a knife the way many "reviewers" do. Stop believing everything you see on TH-cam, especially Doggorunning type reviews, and test some knives for yourself. Rough Rider knives are as strong as any slip joint of the same size out there, and have better steel than at least two of the large brand name knives that have moved production to China. Maybe it's just me, but I prefer scientific testing by people who aren't biased, and who know what a given knife should be used for. On this scale, Rough Rider knives outperform several of the knives Doggorunning loves.
I saw that video by doggorunning and I done the same tests with a case and get knife and they both developed serious blade play the same as the rough rider.
No, they don't. I have many and they hold up well.
These suck. I work in powdered metal and I accidentally broke a rough rider blade and one look at it told me it was terribly tempered and you could actually see the powder in the metal
These are working men's knives, not collector items. They need to be judged as work blades, not show pieces.
Buff with a dremel....omg ...there's 10 different variations. Its really unreal and the quality is there. These are definitely collectable and usable...especially at the price. If they're not perfect, you can make them that way. U have never had blade play or anything much different than case. I can take a very soft buffing pad ....then I would display without hesitation or shame
But there's knife snobs.. I know...not my kind of people
You critique those knives like you spent 70 bucks apiece for them...............jeez.
Dude, get on with it…please organize your presentation
those knives suck !! Be honest.I know.Gap for ever play for keeps.Those knives suck!
Boring
They look nice, but just like everything else made in China, the fit and finish is not there and they will never go up in value. If you buy a Queen, GEC or Case, you'll pay a fair price for a quality product.
Protective HT :- I recently bought a Rough Ryder "Old Southwest" canoe for $20.00 and yesterday purchased a Case canoe with AmberBone covers for $100.00. Today I put them side by side, and truley cannot see, feel or appreciate ANY difference, especially for the price difference...both are beautiful, functional pocket knives.
I don't hold with the anti- China sentiment going around...politics has no room in my pocket knives...whether made in Russia, China, USA, Germany or Japan. And if you feel that it makes so much of a difference...check your computer, TV, laptop or tablet, your microwave, wrist watch, or phone, or just about any small appliance in your home, and start throwing stuff out. And watch how fast your neighbors pick up your discards.
Even well known American companies are manufacturing goods in China...it just makes good capitalistic sense!
Edit :- Smokey Mountain Knife Works, designs, markets and guarantees these Rough Ryder knives for life, and they are located in Sevierville, TN, USA.
I'm willing to bet...you are wrong about everything
Man, you really drag it out